LAS VEGAS, NV – A 19-year-old driver deliberately caused a massive 12-vehicle collision at a Las Vegas traffic light last week, killing his pregnant girlfriend and another motorist in what prosecutors are calling an intentional act of murder.
Jose Gutierrez faces two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, reckless driving, and battery following the horrific crash that occurred at a busy intersection. The devastating collision claimed two lives and left one person fighting for survival with life-threatening injuries.
The victims include Adilene Duran Rincon, 20, who was pregnant and riding as a passenger in Gutierrez’s Infiniti coupe. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Edward Garcia, 38, the driver of another vehicle caught in the pileup, also died from his injuries at the crash site.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson made it clear prosecutors believe this wasn’t an accident. “We believe his actions were intentional, which gives rise to a charge of murder,” Wolfson said during a press conference announcing the charges.
The evidence against Gutierrez is damning. Multiple eyewitnesses reported seeing his vehicle traveling at approximately 100 mph before it slammed into the line of cars stopped at the red light. Video footage from nearby businesses captured the entire incident, showing Gutierrez’s car barreling toward the intersection without any attempt to slow down.
“All indications are that there was no braking before the collision, and that by itself gives rise to intentional conduct,” Wolfson explained. Investigators found no evidence of alcohol or drug impairment, and the driver had a clear, unobstructed view of the traffic ahead.
The crash created a scene of absolute chaos as emergency responders rushed to help victims trapped in the twisted wreckage of a dozen vehicles. The force of the initial impact sent cars crashing into each other in a chain reaction that left metal crushed and glass scattered across multiple lanes.
Hearing Master Daniel Westmeyer found probable cause for Gutierrez’s arrest after reviewing the evidence. A bail hearing was postponed pending his arraignment, and he was ordered to return to court Tuesday for further proceedings.
Prosecutors haven’t revealed a motive for why Gutierrez would intentionally cause such a catastrophic collision, killing his own pregnant girlfriend in the process. The investigation continues as authorities work to understand what led to this senseless tragedy.
